My First trip with "S" (Boyfriend) 10/17/13

[Nakkira]

Was discussing our trip with my DBF yesterday, I realized that it was easier to read him some of my pre-trip report. He seemed to agree that most of my planning seemed reasonable, but does think it would be better spacing if we did Epcot our first day, MK the 2nd, Epcot 3rd, HS the 4th.

I told him that for me it does not feel right not to start at the Magic Kingdom.
Dunno, I see the logic, but it's kind of important to me. Maybe I can talk myself into switching, but for now am leaving the plans alone. This where park hoppers would be handy. The increased cost of those was not worth the sacrifice of out F&W Fest spending money however.
It's too bad that Disney does not have a night before preview. Kinna like what Hershey Park has "Arrive the night before and take advantage of the preview plan. With your next day's ticket, be our guest for 2 1/2 hours prior to the park closing. (For example, arrive Sunday night after 7:30 PM and purchase or present your ticket for Monday, and be our guest for no additional cost!) The preview plan is a great way for you to explore the park so that you can be prepared for your big day"

But I digress.

As I ream him the report he pretended to take umbrage to the following.

Back to the Plans!


HOPEFULLY he will make it to my place by 10am (latest and we will be on the road shortly thereafter. Putting us at the airport by 1pm with a 2:30 flight. That is cutting it closer than I like but I am still hoping I can convince him to load his things the night before instead (he is not very organized so it will be like pulling teeth to get us on the road on time)
:

I looked at him, looked at his cluttered living room pointedly, made a comment about how often he is late and gave him a teasingly stern look.
He had the grace to sheepishly nod



He also jokingly was offended by the following slight on his character:

I decided that we will wait till Friday night and figure out what we REALLY still want to do. I am going to resist my naturally pushy impulses and really try to let the world most indecisive man have the greater say (while trying not to commit acts of violence against him, because he really can be frustratingly indecisive)
I will have made most of the plans and called most of the shots thus far so I really will want him to feel like he has control over this day (with my input of course)

I said, "Do you disagree that you are indecisive?"

Him "Maybe, sometimes, I dunno?"

Me, "Would you like me to post a retraction to my Blog"

Him, "Not sure" (at this point he grins and throws me a wink)

Me, "Well if I did, what would you like me to say instead, what phrasing should I employ to describe how our planning and mutual decision making usually goes down. "

Him, "Hmm, I am not really sure, I can't quite make up my mind"

Both of us are now hard pressed to keep a straight face.

I kissed him and informed him that there would be no retraction. My statement stands.


I love him so much!


Also, it seems he is getting into it enough that he was showing me pictures of another friend's vacation. They stayed at Art of Animation.
He really seemed to dig the theming.

Next time we REALLY will have to save enough money to stay onsite.

I'm here!

I love your pre-Disney purchases!

Your wishlist sounds great and I hope you get as much of it done as possible!

Welcome! Thanks, pre-shopping kind of keeps my excitement levels up, and kind of saves money because you can get stuff cheaper on the outside right? I keep telling myself that, and I did just get a Tinkerbell hoodie on Ebay for $10 last week. ;-)

 

[BeerMe]

BEER. Just sayin'

 

[Nakkira]

BEER. Just sayin'

ALWAYS



Did I ever mention that we are Home brewers and make our own?

 

[Nakkira]

My DBF had a sarcastic sense of humor. He also posses a touch of cynicism.

I am also concerned because twice now, when I have mentioned that WISHES moves me, he has looked VERY puzzled and said "It is just fireworks"

I think I am a tad worried that he will not get as much out of this as me or will find me silly (ok, he always does, he likes my silly)
I have just the slightest fear that he will act a little too much like a grown up and I will feel held back.

He can be very playful too, but not quite as much as me and I am still a little emotionally scared by my abusive ex who openly mocked me, refused to try and enjoy excursion and then reprimand me for forcing him to come along, and over-all acted like a wet blanket on everything.

My DBF is not like that.
Today I did have a cute idea to help assuage my own fears and break the ice on discussing my worries. We have a solid policy of communication because we both carry a lot of emotional baggage.

(I just need a color printer and a laminator)
I want to print a cute little card (with Disney Graphics) Entitled :

Vacation Rules:

1. Stop being a grown up. Play, indulge and enjoy. You inner child needs this vacation too!
2. Check your cynicism at the entrance.
3. Dont be afraid to enjoy the cheese remember there is plenty of Wine to go with it.
4. Do not tease me for being silly, or crying at the fireworks, or squealing in excitement when I run into a favorite character. (feel free to join me, or hang back and smile indulgently)
5. Make sure you communicate your wants and needs to me. I want you to enjoy this too and I know I will be a little carried away by excitement.

Anyone have any thoughts on this? Anything I should ad?

 

[BeerMe]

4. Do not tease me for being silly, or crying at the fireworks, or squealing in excitement when I run into a favorite character. (feel free to join me, or hang back and smile indulgently)

We took our 2YO granddaughter for her first trip last February and when we went into Epcot she saw Goofy near the entrance and literally ran up to him screaming his name the whole way and hugged him. That set the tone for the entire trip. She will be with us for a few days at F&W and I hope it's no different. Tell him he should try it too!

That's her in the photo!

 

[Nakkira]

We took our 2YO granddaughter for her first trip last February and when we went into Epcot she saw Goofy near the entrance and literally ran up to him screaming his name the whole way and hugged him. That set the tone for the entire trip. She will be with us for a few days at F&W and I hope it's no different. Tell him he should try it too!

That's her in the photo!

Indeed! (Maybe if he spots Figment at Epcot!)

She is such a cutie!

 

[Nakkira]

Anticipation is Building.
The other night I received a Package of Special Pixie Dust from fellow DISer ToddyLu!


It in were adorable customized luggage tags for each of us (as well as my sister who is not coming on this particular trip but is my favorite Disney travel companion)

There was also music CD's for each of us (all different) as well and not I get to listen to them as I get through my work days and keep checking off the time until I am once again in my Happy Place!!!

Our luggage tags were each featured our favorite Characters and interests. They are so cool that my DBF and I have both decided to tie them onto out back pack to have with us In the parks as well.
(hopefully at some point I can post pics of these, just have not gotten quite that far yet)

Looking at the tags sparked a fantastic conversation about our favorite Disney characters and Movie, including many of the non-animated ones, everything from Swiss Family Robinson to Flight of the Navigator.
Lambert the Sheepish Lion to the The Three Caballeros ("S" was happy to learn that there were a ride with this theming at the Mexico pavilion)

He also reminded me of a great character from the classic cartoons that I had almost forgotten.
Humphrey the Bear !
After that of course we had to look some up on You Tube and watch them. Great way to spend a Tuesday evening.

and now I have the song from this episode stuck in my head:
http://youtu.be/4ol28kPTqa4

 

[mayday51]

Just wanted to let you know your planning process has been fun to follow. It's tough to have a budget, I know. I, too, started calculating my anticipated F & W kiosk costs for this year (we'll be at Epcot 7-10 October) and it's going to be at least $250 JUST for the things I want to try!! Does not include what my DH or brother, who is meeting us there, want to sample!! Also doesn't really include any wine at all (do not want to get sloshy/sloppy/arrested) or desserts. It's stricly savories I'm talking about here.
You seem like a Disney movie collecting kind of girl, yes? I saw a thing online about a $10 Disney gift card for 1000 points from the movie club. Also look at your rewards points from any credit cards and see if you can redeem them for Disney gift cards. Oh, and save your change in a jar!!! That could really add up.
Best,
Mayday51

 

[Nakkira]

Just wanted to let you know your planning process has been fun to follow. It's tough to have a budget, I know. I, too, started calculating my anticipated F & W kiosk costs for this year (we'll be at Epcot 7-10 October) and it's going to be at least $250 JUST for the things I want to try!! Does not include what my DH or brother, who is meeting us there, want to sample!! Also doesn't really include any wine at all (do not want to get sloshy/sloppy/arrested) or desserts. It's stricly savories I'm talking about here.
You seem like a Disney movie collecting kind of girl, yes? I saw a thing online about a $10 Disney gift card for 1000 points from the movie club. Also look at your rewards points from any credit cards and see if you can redeem them for Disney gift cards. Oh, and save your change in a jar!!! That could really add up.
Best,
Mayday51

'ello! and Welcome.


I do have a quarter jar that I usually raid for beach trips and I only went once this summer so there should still be about $20 or so in there. Thanks for reminding me.
Unfortunately the rest of the change got raided Just before this trip was planned so there is not a lot in there yet (maybe $5-10)

Actually my Mom buys more movies than I do, I usually get used copies etc. I should see if she has any "spare points"
I have about $4 in Disney Rewards from my Visa.. kinna wiped out my Rewards for Christmas and had been using my Master Card this year because the interest rate is cheaper. (that's the one I got my Starbucks money from)

The wish not to get sloppy/wasted is one of the reasons the DBF and I will sharing as much as possible. I would love to try many wines and beers, but if I drink them all myself I will need to go back to the room WAY to early in the day.

I will be focusing more on savories than desserts too. I do like sweets, in tiny amounts, but I easily get overloaded by sugar so I really can only have a little before it starts actually grossing me out.

 

[BeerMe]

The wish not to get sloppy/wasted..........

I resemble that remark

 

[tzeitel]

Hi! I just found your PTR - we are going around the same time (we will be there Oct 7-17)

I wish I had found it sooner and I could have suggested some reward sites (maybe for next time!) I do Swagbucks and My Points, they both have Landry's cards which can be used at TRex, Rainforest Café and Yak & Yeti. Swagbucks also has cards for airlines and Target (which you can use to buy Disney cards).

So now for the stuff you can use Costco online has gift cards for Wolfgang Pucks and Ghirardelli at 20% off. Sign up for the Earl of Sandwich email club and get a free cookie for signing up and a free sandwich on your bday. Landry's also has a club - you pay $25 but they give you a $25 welcome reward so it comes out free . They give you a $25 reward on your birthday month (valid for the whole month and 2 weeks after).

To save some $$ you can always pack snacks - since you get a free bag with JetBlue that should be easy. I budget for 1 snack per person per day so any other little snack we bring from home. We take cookies, Ritz crackers, Pop Tarts, granola bars, flavored drink packets, mini donuts, this year I am even taking some bagels! For our super budget trip to Disneyland we took a loaf of bread and PB&J.

Walmart and the Dollar Store always has Disney stuff super cheap. I saw some cute Disney cups in the birthday/greeting cards section for .49. Check the clearance section for Summer stuff - we got DD a couple of shirts and a bubble blower for less than $10!

To organize our room I bought a shoe organizer at Target - their $1 section is awesome! I got the shelf style that hangs from the rod in the closet and at Disney I was able to put all kinds of stuff, from clothes to hats, hair accessories and even snacks.

 

[Nakkira]

I resemble that remark

TeeHee.
It kind of happened by accident last time I was in Epcot. Let me tell you, O Canada! is a bad place to suddenly realize that you have had one too many beers and not NEARLY enough water.

 

[Nakkira]

Hi! I just found your PTR - we are going around the same time (we will be there Oct 7-17)

I wish I had found it sooner and I could have suggested some reward sites (maybe for next time!) I do Swagbucks and My Points, they both have Landry's cards which can be used at TRex, Rainforest Café and Yak & Yeti. Swagbucks also has cards for airlines and Target (which you can use to buy Disney cards).

So now for the stuff you can use Costco online has gift cards for Wolfgang Pucks and Ghirardelli at 20% off. Sign up for the Earl of Sandwich email club and get a free cookie for signing up and a free sandwich on your bday. Landry's also has a club - you pay $25 but they give you a $25 welcome reward so it comes out free . They give you a $25 reward on your birthday month (valid for the whole month and 2 weeks after).

To save some $$ you can always pack snacks - since you get a free bag with JetBlue that should be easy. I budget for 1 snack per person per day so any other little snack we bring from home. We take cookies, Ritz crackers, Pop Tarts, granola bars, flavored drink packets, mini donuts, this year I am even taking some bagels! For our super budget trip to Disneyland we took a loaf of bread and PB&J.

Walmart and the Dollar Store always has Disney stuff super cheap. I saw some cute Disney cups in the birthday/greeting cards section for .49. Check the clearance section for Summer stuff - we got DD a couple of shirts and a bubble blower for less than $10!

To organize our room I bought a shoe organizer at Target - their $1 section is awesome! I got the shelf style that hangs from the rod in the closet and at Disney I was able to put all kinds of stuff, from clothes to hats, hair accessories and even snacks.

Thanks for the tips and Welcome!

I have picked up a couple of things at the Dollar tree for my trip. I love that place and there is also one right next door to my hotel.
I already planned to stock my check bag with with snacks and such, and in fact have started picking things up like crackers, beef jerky, granola bars, and will likely try to add dried fruit and such. Oh yeah and some single serve Jiffy PB cups I found at Dollar tree as well!
My room WILL have a microwave, so I am also bringing a couple of these babies for a late night meal or two (for some reason, no matter what I ate that day, I am often starving by the time I get back to the room):

Shelf stable food for the win! Found them on sale last week and grabbed them up.
Thanks for reminding me I need to stop by Target and check their dollar bins too!

 

[Nakkira]

You would think (or rather I would think) that with only 18 days till my trip I would be haunting the DIS more than ever as the anticipation builds.
I would love to.
However, I work in accounting and my company closes its fiscal year at the end of Sept. I am currently drowning at work and have no time or energy to devote to much of anything right now.
Worse I just came down with a bad cold. This had better clear up quickly because I relapsed a cold last time I went to Disney and I dont want to be sick on vacation AGAIN.

Starting to get anxious because I still have a rather long to do list to prep for the trip.
Also anxious again about my hotel issue. (I may have neglected to mention I had a mild but not debilitating, anxiety disorder)
I keep having bad dreams about transportation, bedbugs, and begging the front desk to do something!
I just keep telling myself in the daylight that it will all work out somehow.


In the mean time tonight I will sit with a cup of hot tea, Beauty and the Beast, and a small pile of invoices and try to start feeling better.
Right now I feel like the "very unpleasant little creature," with a cold from Flight of the Navigator.

 

[missangelalexis]

I hope you feel better!

 

[Nakkira]

Purely for planning purposes (of course it has nothing to do with the fact that I can't wait to go) I pulled up images of last years menus for the Food and Wine Fest.
I started playing pretend that those were the menus I had to choose from. Hey, I was hungry and bored.

So I started adding up the costs of the things I wanted to try. No more than one food and one drink from each booth, but really often not even Both.

I came to a total of about $240.00

This year's menu's an prices finally came out.
http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2013-...val-marketplace-booths-menus-and-food-photos/


I re-did my total (if I tried everything I really want at the booths)

$252.15

That does not account for sharing and I have no idea what the DBF has saved. (hopefully my total will be less if we take turns buying the things we will share)

I gave him some saving amount recommendations, but his finances are currently none of my business.
As long as he has enough for his own meals (he has already paid his share of the travel) we are good.
Still I hope he managed to meet the minimums I told him, times have been rough lately.
I refuse to sweat it.

17 Days and counting.

Still have a wretched head cold.
Found "Disney Parks: Ultimate Walt Disney World" on Netflix last night and I ended up watching that while slurping soup and trying to catch up on paperwork.

 

[BeerMe]

I had some stuff today but not enough since i am really tired. Going back tomorrow and Sunday and really imbibing then. Had enough for today though.

Sent from my mobile device.

 

[Nakkira]

Enjoy and let me know if you taste anything particularly exciting!!!

BTW.. just a little jealous right now.

 

[Nakkira]

And now a random picture of me and Mushu from my last trip:

I would love to share more but I have lost the external hard drive that I have all of those files stored on.

 

[BeerMe]

Enjoy and let me know if you taste anything particularly exciting!!!

BTW.. just a little jealous right now.

We were disappointed with the lobster tail (Hops & Barley) - very small portion and it was rubbery with little taste. On the other hand the two highlights were the mussels at New Zealand and the cheese at Ireland.

In our first full day we didn't even hit half the booths and still managed to walk 7 miles!